Where is Ottawa, Illinois

Ottawa is a historic city in northern Illinois, located in LaSalle County at the meeting of the Fox and Illinois rivers. It is about 80 miles southwest of Chicago and 20 miles northeast of LaSalle. Ottawa is known for its historic downtown, riverfront parks, and nearby Starved Rock State Park, one of the region's best-known natural attractions.

Location Map of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Ottawa in LaSalle County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Ottawa Map, Illinois

Where is Ottawa Located?

Ottawa is a city located in LaSalle County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in north-central Illinois at the meeting of the Fox and Illinois rivers, about 80 miles southwest of Chicago and roughly 20 miles northeast of LaSalle. Streator is around 20 miles southeast, while Morris is about 20 miles northeast. Ottawa is positioned near 41.345° North latitude and 88.842° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 18,063 residents. The city covers about 15.93 square miles, or 41.26 square kilometers. Ottawa has a long history as a transportation and commercial center because of its rivers, railroads, and location near major highways. The historic downtown includes buildings associated with the city's 19th-century development. Ottawa is also known for its connection to the Lincoln-Douglas debates, with the first debate held here in 1858. Starved Rock State Park is about 10 miles away and offers canyons, waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic views along the Illinois River. Ottawa was incorporated in 1853. A unique fact about the city is that it hosted the first Lincoln-Douglas debate, an important event in American political history.

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Ottawa City Facts

Distance from Ottawa, IL to Nearby Cities

• LaSalle, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Peru, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Streator, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Morris, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Princeton, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Yorkville, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Plano, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• DeKalb, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
• Joliet, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
• Bloomington, IL – 60 miles (97 km)
• Rockford, IL – 65 miles (105 km)
• Naperville, IL – 60 miles (97 km)
• Aurora, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
• Peoria, IL – 70 miles (113 km)
• Champaign, IL – 100 miles (161 km)
• Chicago, IL – 80 miles (129 km)
• Springfield, IL – 120 miles (193 km)
• Milwaukee, WI – 135 miles (217 km)

Top Attractions in Ottawa

• Starved Rock State Park – A major Illinois state park about 10 miles from Ottawa, known for sandstone canyons, waterfalls, forest trails, and Illinois River views.
• Ottawa Historic District – A historic downtown area with preserved commercial buildings, local shops, restaurants, and sites connected to the city's 19th-century history.
• Washington Square – A historic downtown park associated with the first Lincoln-Douglas debate held in Ottawa in 1858.
• Reddick Mansion – A historic Victorian-era mansion built in the 19th century and now operated as a museum and community landmark.
• Fox River – The river flows through Ottawa before joining the Illinois River and provides scenic views, fishing, boating, and wildlife habitat.
• Illinois River – A major waterway along the southern side of the city, supporting boating, fishing, birdwatching, and riverfront recreation.
• Ottawa Scouting Museum – A local museum preserving memorabilia and artifacts connected to the history of Scouting.
• Buffalo Rock State Park – A nearby state park overlooking the Illinois River with trails, scenic views, wildlife, and historic bison enclosures.

Airports Near Ottawa, IL

• Illinois Valley Regional Airport (VYS) – 15 miles
• Joliet Regional Airport (JOT) – 55 miles
• Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) – 70 miles
• Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) – 70 miles
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 85 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Ottawa city website and local government records.

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